On Stage with The Lincoln Theatre
Welcome to "On Stage with The Lincoln Theatre"—your backstage pass to the captivating history and vibrant present of one of America’s most iconic theatres! Step back in time as we explore the rich legacy of The Lincoln Theatre, a majestic Mayan Revival-style venue that first opened its doors in 1929. Nestled in the heart of Marion, Virginia, this cultural landmark has been at the center of entertainment for nearly a century, hosting everything from vaudeville acts and classic films to modern-day concerts and performances.
Join us as we pull back the curtain on the theatre’s fascinating past and dive into its current role as a cultural hub for the region. In each episode, our executive director and charismatic guide, Bob Watkins, takes center stage to share stories of the theatre’s evolution, its unforgettable moments, and the exciting events that keep audiences coming back for more. Whether you're a history buff, a theatre enthusiast, or simply curious about the arts, this podcast promises to entertain, educate, and inspire!
To learn more about The Lincoln Theatre visit:
https://www.thelincoln.org/
The Lincoln Theatre
117 E. Main Street
Marion, Virginia 24354
276-783-6092
On Stage with The Lincoln Theatre
Driving Regional Growth: Bob Watkins on Transforming The Lincoln Theatre into a Tourism Magnet
How Does The Lincoln Theatre Contribute To Regional Tourism In Smith County, VA?
Want to learn about boosting regional tourism and economic vitality in Marion, Virginia? Join us as we chat with Bob Watkins, the executive director of the historic Lincoln Theatre. Curious about how a theatre can become a cornerstone of community collaboration? Find out how Bob and his team use broad marketing strategies to attract visitors from neighboring states like North Carolina, West Virginia, and Tennessee. Learn about the unique events, such as Song of the Mountains, that not only draw audiences but also benefit local businesses in hospitality and dining. We also discuss exciting future plans, like offering entertainment and dining package deals, all aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.
Join us for a vibrant conversation with Bob Watkins as we explore the lively theatre scene. In our dialogue, Bob reveals what makes this theatre a beloved venue for performers and audiences alike. Learn how you can support the arts in Marion—whether by attending a show at their iconic location on 117 East Main Street or engaging with the entertainment scene online. Through partnerships with local businesses and government, the theatre plays a pivotal role in cultural and economic development. Celebrate the arts with us and discover how you can be part of this dynamic cultural journey.
To learn more about The Lincoln Theatre visit:
https://www.TheLincoln.org/
The Lincoln Theatre
117 E. Main Street
Marion, Virginia 24354
276-783-6092
Welcome to On Stage with the Lincoln Theater, where history and entertainment steal the show Dive into the rich legacy of this iconic Mayan revival theater, from its 1929 debut to its starring role in Marion, Virginia's entertainment scene. Guiding us through this journey is the man in the spotlight, our executive director, Bob Watkins.
Speaker 2:From drawing art enthusiasts to boosting local businesses. The Lincoln Theater plays a pivotal role in Smith County's tourism. Bob Watkins discusses the theater's economic and cultural impact on the region. Welcome back everyone. Skip Mauney, co-host slash producer, back in the studio with Executive Director Bob Watkins. Bob, how's it going?
Speaker 3:It's going good, Skip. How are you doing?
Speaker 2:Doing just fine. Doing just fine. Glad to see the snow's melting and we're at least heading in the right direction. Yeah so, Bob, how does the Lincoln?
Speaker 3:Theater contribute to regional tourism in and around Smith County, virginia. Well, tourism is really one of the big things that we try to pursue here with the theater. Obviously we're interested in providing great entertainment for our local residents and surrounding residents of Smith County. But another big focus that we do is to try to draw as many people into Smith County as we can have them do an extended stay, so stay at a hotel, go to the restaurants, go shopping downtown around the area and then come in and catch a show as well. So we do a lot of stuff to try to incorporate that, and part of it is all of our marketing.
Speaker 3:We do a lot of marketing throughout the area North Carolina, up in Northern Virginia, west Virginia, tennessee. So we do a wide market here that we try to pursue. But then we also work with a lot of other groups that help us with the marketing with the Virginia tourism as well as Amanda Livingston with the Smith County tourism. So we do a lot of partnerships with them as well to get in different magazines around the area. So people see that this is a destination location for people to come in and have some fun entertainment and enjoy the scenes around the area. So we do a lot of stuff and that's pretty much what keeps me busy with all of my programming here, because I try to create a program schedule that's going to incorporate a lot of interest from other people to come into the area and see what we have to offer them.
Speaker 2:Bob, based on your experience, have there been any specific events or performances that have been most successful in drawing visitors from outside of the region?
Speaker 3:Well, the music, live, concerts and everything that always does a really big draw. Song of the Mountains, us being the location that the Song of the Mountains is recorded at on a monthly basis, we generally draw a lot of individuals from out of the area with that partnership with Song of the Mountains and the theater. So there's a lot of individuals from out of the area with that partnership with Song of the Mountains and the theater, so there's a lot of people that see it on PBS all over the place and they wanted to come and experience it firsthand at the theater. So that's one big area that generates a lot of push and drive to have people come into the theater and Smith County Now.
Speaker 2:I know Song of the mountains covers a lot of different genres but primarily uh, americana bluegrass, that sort of does. Does that have a bigger draw than other types of music?
Speaker 3:no, it varies. I think tribute artists are starting to get really popular because people are wanting to hear some of the individuals and the performers that they've heard in the past and you know there's a lot of music that is not being replicated any longer. That really was a big drive for a lot of people. So we have a lot of tribute performances within classic rock as well as country, so those are pretty big draws also along with the bluegrass and folk music. But of course in our area it revolves around the Americana folk, bluegrass and folk music. But of course in our area it revolves around the Americana folk bluegrass genre of music. So that definitely does incorporate a big big draw here at the theater within our area here.
Speaker 2:Very cool. Well now, you touched on this earlier, but do you have any specific programs where you collaborate with local businesses to enhance the tourist experience?
Speaker 3:We do collaborate a lot with the town of Marion as well as Smith County. The county as well as the town work with us. They do a tremendous job supporting us in our mission. Tremendous job supporting us in our mission. So we do work with them on different things related to cruise-ins I know Ken Heath down at the town of Marion.
Speaker 3:He does a lot of work to try to incorporate the different cruise-ins for people to come in and drive through the area back of the Dragon and then we try to incorporate our programming around that. So when they're here they have something else that they can go ahead and do along with that cruise in and bringing their cars and enjoying the time there. But as far as local businesses, we also work with them because you know, when we have a large show they have a big night. So everybody is here and we're fortunate enough to have about five different restaurants downtown here that are within walking distance to the theater. So when we have big sellout nights they tend to benefit as well. So we do work with them on marketing components of trying to incorporate okay, if we're going to have a big show, then we work with them on trying to get reservations set and different meals and promotions that they can do as well. So, yeah, it's a good partnership here downtown Marion.
Speaker 2:I would imagine that would be a big draw if you could have like a dinner and a movie or dinner and a show with coffee afterwards. You know where you buy a package, do you do that?
Speaker 3:Well, we don't currently have something like that set up ourselves, but I do know that the General Francis Marion Hotel is doing some package deals to where they can package some tickets as well as a one-night stay, and then they have a restaurant there attached to the hotel with Swamp Fox. So there's a lot of different packages that we can put together. Currently right now it hasn't been done, but I do think that with Amanda, with Smith County Tourism, I would really like to pursue that type of package plan to where people will just go ahead and purchase a full package so they already have their weekend or extended weekend in Smith County planned out for them with the events and activities that we have available.
Speaker 2:Very cool. Well, you know Valentine's Day is coming up. That could be perfect, Absolutely. Say that from a personal standpoint. So if you get a package, let me know. Here's the last question Do you ever find out of town visitors that are just lingering around the front of the theater to snap selfies in front of the marquee you ever have that you?
Speaker 3:ever have that? Oh, absolutely. Yeah, marion is really a strong tourist destination area because obviously we have Hungry Mother State Park here. I believe it's the second highest visited state park in Virginia, so we tend to get a lot of travelers come in here for Hungry Mother State Park as well as the AT the Appalachian Trail. So we have hikers that'll come through and then taking pictures at the marquee, as well as our Virginia's for Lovers sign outside. So we do see a lot of people that are just walking by and take the pictures and then we go ahead and welcome them in for a tour, because once you come in and see the theater, you're definitely going to want to come in and see a performance here. So, yeah, we tend to benefit a lot from passerbys.
Speaker 2:Awesome, Awesome. Well, Bob, I know you're busy, Appreciate you taking time out to talk to us about the theater and we will catch you in the next episode. Sounds great.
Speaker 3:Skip Take care.
Speaker 1:Thanks for tuning in to On Stage with the Lincoln Theater. Want more of Mary and Virginia's entertainment scene? Visit us online at thelincolnorg yes, that's thelincolnorg or drop by our theater at 117 East Main Street. Let's keep the arts alive and kicking together.